Skip to main content

SISO logo

Workforce Development

SISO

Building the Future of the Exhibitions Industry—Together

SISO and the Exhibitions Industry Collective

SISO is proud to be an active member of the Exhibitions Industry Collective, a coalition of organizations across the exhibitions and live events ecosystem working together to strengthen the industry’s future.

The Collective was formed around a shared priority: industry awareness as the foundation for workforce development. By aligning voices and collaborating rather than operating in silos, participating organizations are helping students, job seekers, and emerging professionals better understand the scale, impact, and career opportunities in the exhibitions and events industry.

As a leadership community, SISO amplifies these efforts—connecting today’s industry leaders with the next generation of talent and supporting initiatives that ensure exhibitions remain innovative, competitive, and resilient for years to come.

👉 Learn more at www.exhibitionsindustryawareness.com

Exhibitions Industry Awareness

One of the Collective’s key initiatives is Exhibitions Industry Awareness, a central platform dedicated to telling the industry’s story—what it is, why it matters, and how people can build meaningful careers within it.

The resources below introduce the exhibitions and trade show industry, highlighting real people, real roles, and real career paths. These videos are designed to spark awareness, curiosity, and engagement among those who may not yet realize the breadth of opportunity our industry offers.

To explore additional videos, career tools, and educational resources, visit www.exhibitionsindustryawareness.com.

Explore Careers in the Exhibitions Industry

These introductory videos are designed for students, job seekers, and educators exploring careers in the exhibitions and events industry.

 



A trade show is like the Super Bowl of business. From building stages to running lights, designing booths, and creating video, it takes an entire workforce to make it all happen. For millions of Americans, this industry is a pathway to skills, growth, and opportunity. We are technicians and designers, producers, builders, strategists, and problem solvers. Because before it all begins for the audience or attendee, the show starts with us.

 



Did you know that behind every industry, there's a trade show for that? New products for your pets? Trade show. Medical research? Trade show. Pizza, coffee, musical instruments? You guessed it, there's a trade show for that. So what exactly does a job in trade shows look like?

 



Whether you call this the events industry, the trade show industry, or even the exhibition industry, one thing's for certain. It all starts with a venue. Convention centers, arenas, exhibition halls, conference hotels. These aren't just buildings. They're dynamic spaces where connections happen, relationships are built, and business gets done.

Discover Exhibition & Event Career Pathways

Explore real roles, real people, and the skills that power the exhibitions and live events industry.
 

👉 www.exhibitionsindustryawareness.com
 

In the News

Exhibitions Industry Collective Partners with CNTV to Launch Workforce Development Video Series

The  Exhibitions Industry Collective has partnered with  CNTV to produce a new workforce development video series highlighting the diverse career opportunities in the exhibitions and events industry.

The initiative is a collaborative effort by the  Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance,  Experiential Designers + Producers Association,  Exhibition Services & Contractors Association,  International Association of Exhibitions and Events, the  International Association of Venue Managers, and the  Society of Independent Show Organizers—all members of the  Exhibitions Industry Collective.

The goal is to showcase the human side of the industry to inspire students and professionals to consider careers in exhibitions and events.

“Workforce development is one of the most critical issues facing our industry, and storytelling is a powerful way to address it,” said Vinnie Polito, Chief Executive Officer of the  Society of Independent Show Organizers. “By creating a video series, we’re able to put real faces and real career paths in front of students and emerging professionals, showing them that the exhibitions and events industry offers meaningful, dynamic, and long-term careers.”

The Associations that comprise the collective are committed to welcoming and encouraging the next generation of workers to the events and exhibitions industry.
 
These videos spotlight just a fraction of the great career opportunities that exist in the industry. Each video will feature industry professionals, behind-the-scenes footage from show floors, and social media clips. Distribution is planned across digital platforms and social media to reach students, educators, and young professionals.
 
This video series is a part of the Exhibitions Industry Collective's broader workforce development initiative, which includes a joint job board, presentations to schools and colleges, and exhibiting at career-focused events. The videos can be found at both the  Exhibitions Industry Collective website and at  SISO’s website.

--------------------------------------------------

About the Society of Independent Show Organizers
The Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) represents for‑profit companies that own, produce, or manage face‑to‑face trade shows, conferences, and events worldwide. Its members—from global corporations to entrepreneurial businesses—collectively produce thousands of events each year. SISO supports its members through peer networking, education, industry insights, and best practices. Learn more at  www.SISO.org.

About the Exhibitions Industry Collective
The Collective is a collaboration among six leading industry associations (ECA, EDPA, ESCA, IAEE, IAVM, and SISO) united in their mission to advocate for, advance, and strengthen the exhibitions and events industry. Learn more at  exhibitionsindustryawareness.com.

About CNTV
CNTV is the leader in video production for the exhibitions and events industry. CNTV partners with major associations and event organizers to deliver compelling digital content, live broadcasts, and sponsored video programs that elevate engagement and extend event reach. Learn more at www.cntvnow.com. 
 

What Our Members Say

  • "SISO Exchanges bring together thought leaders to share stories, spark new ideas, and turn inspiration into action. For me, they have created a space to learn, share insights, and build meaningful conversations with people who understand both the challenges and opportunities of our industry. By connecting professionals face-to-face, these organizations and the events they host create communities where great ideas are born."
    Kate Youngstrom, Head of Marketing, RX US & Mexico
  • “Being a member of the SISO Marketing Exchange has been incredibly valuable to me. What makes this group so impactful is the opportunity to hear directly from a diverse group of peers who face many of the same challenges. The collaboration and open exchange of ideas consistently inspire me with fresh perspectives and new ways to address the challenges facing my team.”
    Lauren Ocoma - Group Vice President, Brand Strategy and Commercial Development – FDIC
  • "The Founder’s Exchange has been incredibly meaningful to me as a business owner and conference organizer. It’s a rare space where small businesses can speak candidly about real challenges and opportunities. The conversations are thoughtful, practical, and grounded in shared experience. I’ve gained valuable insights, strong peer connections, a renewed sense of community that continues to shape how I grow and lead the business."
    Brad Graver, President - Secure World
  • “Two of the best acquisitions Access Intelligence had executed came directly from contacts and discussions held at the SISO CEO Summit. Beyond that important networking for transactions, I learn best practices from the best in the industry. The ROI for membership is immeasurable.”
    Don Pazour, CEO, Access Intelligence
  • Being a member of SISO has allowed me to navigate the dynamic landscape of our industry in the most effective way possible. Personally, it’s been a journey of continuous learning, networking, and collaboration that fosters deep relationships with industry leaders. Professionally, the insights I’ve gained, the resources I have accessed, and the collaborative initiatives and advocacy work have helped to take my organization to new heights. SISO, to me, is an indispensable asset for my career and business.
    Liz Irving, CEO, Clarion Events
  • “Without a doubt the most valuable three days of the year for networking, learning, and meeting colleagues.”
    Tony Calanca, Calanca & Associates LLC
  • “Our industry thrives on the personal relationships that face-to-face builds, and the CEO Summit is the ultimate place to build YOUR network!”
    Tom Mitchell, President, Messe Dusseldorf North America
  • “As busy, independent, for-profit organizer, SISO keeps our company connected to all the key players working in this industry and allows great relationships and ongoing learning of best practices from the best in the business. All invaluable assets to help move our business forward."
    Howard Hauben, CEO, H2 Events
  • “The SISO membership represents the entire for-profit tradeshow community and the annual SISO conferences are must-attend events for their educational and networking value.”
    Joel A. Davis, Founder & CEO, JD Events

 

JOIN SISO TODAY
REGISTER NOW

Search